Carboxymethyl Cellulose–Polyethylene Glycol/Montmorillonite Composite Film and its Absorption of Methylene Blue

Abstract

Herein, a biodegradable carboxymethyl cellulose–polyethylene glycol/montmorillonite (CMC–PEG/MMT) composite film is prepared with good mechanical properties and adsorption properties to remediate methylene blue (MB) from contaminated water. The morphology, composition and structure of the materials are analyzed by scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The adsorption performance, swelling, and contact angle of the composite films are evaluated. The composite film shows a higher (≈98.5%) removal percentage for MB in ambient temperatures within 1.5 h. It is indicated in the results that the addition of CMC can enhance the adsorption capacity due to the effect of −NH2, −COOH, and −OH functional groups. Adsorption of MB by CMC–PEG/MMT composite film is an exothermic and spontaneous, which is fitted well in pseudo‐second‐order rate equation and Langmuir adsorption model. The adsorption mechanisms are studied in detail. It is strongly believed that this research enhances the application of clay mineral–based material as well as organic wastewater management in a wide range.